Shree Saptshrungi Gad is situated at a distance of 60 km from Nashik.It is one of the most visited and religious places for pilgrims.As the temple is situated on a mountain, a regular bus service is provided from the foot of the mountain to the temple

Saptashringa Ghad is a place where Goddess Bhagawati dwells.It is one of the most important of the places of Goddesses in Maharashtra. Saptashringa signifies seven mountain peaks. Nanduri village is situated at the foot of the Saptashringa Gad. In front of the temple there stands Markandeya Rishi's (sage) hill. The Saptashringa Gad is full of a variety of trees having medicinal worth. As per the story depicted in Ramayana, Hanuman carried the herbal medicine for wounded Laxmana from this hill. There are about 108 water reservoirs on the hill, known as Kundas. Vani is situated at a distance of 60 kms. away from Nashik. Hindu almanac considers three and half days as highly auspicious. They are Gudipadwa - Hindu's New Year, Dushhera, Diwali and Akshaytritiya. Likewisedwelling places of Goddesses in Maharashtra are famous. Tuljapur where Tulja Bhawani dwells, Kolhapur, the dwelling place of Ambabhavani, and Mahur where Kulaswamini dwells. Saptashringa Garh where Goddess Bhagawati dwells is half as important as any of the earlier mentioned places of Goddesses in Maharashtra.

Idol of Goddess

Saptashringi Goddess is known as Khandesh's Goddess. Devotees from Chalisgaon, Jalgaon, Malegaon and Dhulia visit this temple frequently. The idol of the Goddess is set at a height, so that she can be seen from a distance too. She has 9 pairs of arms, holding different weapons. Her sparkling eyes, slightly inflated nostrils wearing Nath (an ornament to be worn in the nose) and 18 hands look very attractive.Every full moon day and during Navaratri the temple is crowded with devotees. The Goddess is offered coconuts and sarees. The Goddess is also called as Mahishasur Mardini. A story in this connection is that Demon Mahishasur was creating problem for Markendaya Rishi. Markendaya had made a Holy Fire to eliminate him. The Goddess emerged with 9 pairs of arms holding different weapons from theoly Fire and eliminated the Demon. Hence Mahishasur Mardini, meaning the one who slayed Mahishasur. Significance of the Flag

The Holy Flag of Goddess Bhagawati flutters in the north of Saptashringa Garh. hoisting of the Flag is a privilege of a particular family. The ritual of Flag hoisting on a specific day is witnessed by thousands ofdevotees. People believe that the Goddess fulfills their wishes. So this place is frequented by devotees throughout the year.

Facilities

Of late, this place has been renovated. Railings on the road side have been constructed. The staircasehas been covered to protect devotees from sun and rain. Two separate routes for going up and coming down are built. To take rest while climbing the 470 steps, benches at certain intervals have been placed.For a night's halt, Dharmashala (caravansaray) is arranged by the Trustees. They make blankets and mattresses available to the visitors. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has built rest housesthere. Literature about the Goddess , photos, coconuts and saries for offering to the Goddess areavailable. Priests help tourists to perform Puja. Low cost but clean food is also available in the Priest's houses